Medical University of Innsbruck
How did you draw up your Learning Agreement?
I had to prepare the LA on my own, but coordinators from both sides help every step of the way. Even if there are unplanned changes during the academic year, everyone involved is very helpful.
How is the study process organized in the receiving university? What is different compared to RSU?
Classes for senior students are held mostly before lunch, lectures take place in the afternoon. The lectures give theoretical knowledge, while the classes are very practical – you can master manipulation or see patients. It is possible to change groups with other students, attend two lectures in one day and have free time in another week.
What were the living conditions?
I rented a room in a flat with 4 students: 2 from Czech Republic and 2 from Germany. Living conditions were very nice; public transport is very well developed and there are sports grounds and places to walk almost everywhere.
Did the Erasmus+ grant cover the living expenses?
The grant was enough to cover rent and some food / transport costs.
Your advice and recommendations for others choosing this city for their mobility
Language skills are very important, as there are as many dialects as there are valleys and districts in Tyrol. It's OK if it is hard to understand patients in the first few months – even students from Germany ask again when they don't understand.
You have to introduce yourself to the new team (group members, hospital ward staff), tell them in a few sentences who you are and why you came to the hospital.
Definitely seize the opportunity to apply for medical practices or Famulatur in your fields of interest. I attended the Department of Internal Medicine for 2 weeks, spent 2 weeks in infectology and 2 weeks in the Clinic of Neurology and Rehabilitation at Standort Hochzirl. Depending on your skills and willingness, you will be allowed to do almost everything, from a full examination, admission to the ward, ultrasound examination, to having the patient completely at your disposal (you become the attending physician under the supervision of a certified specialist, also according to the documents).
If you are with fifth year students, I recommend that you offer your help with their diploma paper, especially if the work is promising. This way you will be able to see the work of the scientific laboratory.
There are world-class teams of interventional radiologists and transplantologists in the clinic. If you can find a free day to attend one of their surgeries, make sure you go.
You can apply for additional courses on the web-site skalpell.at or in a Facebook group – EKG, lung auscultation, etc. (similar to our METC) taught by other students.
During the semester, the university offers several free elective courses, lasting one or a few days, or once a week. The courses are informative and very specific (neuroradiology, discussion of haemato-oncology cases, etc.).
For travel, the two best things are the Freizeitticket Tirol – an annual subscription to more than 40 ski resorts throughout Tirol and a semester ticket for all kinds of transport.
As to the grocery stores, I think Merkur is the best – high quality and low prices. The tastiest vegetables and fruit. I recommend finding a local store for meat gourmets.
Second-hand bicycles or skis can be bought cheaply in markets before the season starts.
The best memory or experience from Erasmus+ mobility
In medicine – radiofrequency ablation for a patient with a liver tumour. Seven hours in the front row of the audience in a room with two professors – masters of their craft.
Outside the university – it's difficult to choose, as I travelled almost every week within Tyrol or to other places. World Ski Championship, Neuschwanstein Castle, trips to Munich, Salzburg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, hiking – my head is bursting with memories!
The most valuable realization or lesson you have learned
Kindness towards other people and openness to new experiences are the most important things to overcome any challenge.
